ARROGANT PATRIOTISM.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 40, 17 February 1914, Page 4

ARROGANT PATRIOTISM.

Speaking quit* l truthfully and very much to the point the Christchureh "Sun" in a recent issue says:—An amusing outcome of the marvellous development of Australia from a mere British settlement to a brisk nationhood in such a comparatively short space of time is the splendid, if s miewhat arrogant patriotism that, for many Australians, places the Mother Country in the position of an elderly matron, quite well-meaning, but a little tottery on her feet. It is a doctrine greatly encouraged by some of the leading Radical journals in the Commonwealth, which are emphatic in their pronouncements that the Empire, oll'ete, and on the wane,

.an only be saved from (he Goths by the strong arms of her sons overseas. Karl Grey, warm Imperialist as lie is. has spoken candidly liis opinion of Ui« colonial as represented l>y Australia. "If ' s V4M '. V evident,'' he so

expressed himself, "that the Australians thought themselves % best people iii the world. Perhaps, when they had learned more, they might lay claim to distinction, but the time; was not now." This is rather a] hard knock on the place where Australians keep their pride, lair many will agree that it is not wholly undeserved. There has undoubtedly grown up in the colonies of late years a feeling of tolerance for and patronage towards the Homeland. Australia (with other oversea dependencies) has prospered exceedingly. and has before her a dazzling future. She has cause for self-congratulation. She is one of the food stores of tinEmpire. She has begun fleet-build-ing, and in other ways has given evidence of being prompted by the best British spirit. But a little modesty or a proper humility is a very becoming thing. It is comforting to remember that all Australians do not display such a blatant patriotism as Earl Grey indicates. If one ha? grown too quickly, and untouched by the crises that assist in nation-build-ing, the fact should not be advertised" Perhaps. Australia is a little precocious, well--enter Earl Grey. the heavy father.